Slide Into Success

Slide Into Success is an early childhood teacher training program that Smith, Parent Infant Center, and First Up launched in 2019 with support from Vanguard’s Strong Start for Kids initiative. The program is designed to improve the quality in early childhood education programs in North Philadelphia by providing opportunities for classroom coaching, peer observations, and play and guided learning activities at Smith and Parent Infant Center. Play, nature and project-based learning in the areas of literacy, math and science are highlighted.  In February 2020, we celebrated 20 North Philadelphia early childhood professionals from 10 different childcare centers who completed Slide Into Success and are excited to continue the program with a brand new group of teachers!

Vanguard Strong Start for Kids provides funding and volunteer hours to give children the opportunity to grow, thrive, and learn, with a focus on improving kindergarten readiness for children growing up in poverty. The program currently focus its efforts in the high-need communities of Greater Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Charlotte (though it also advocates for change nationally and at the state levels) and is supported by Vanguard’s generous crew and corporate commitments.